Actions

Chargers deny report Inglewood deal is close

The Chargers have denied a published report that the team is close to reaching a deal with the Rams to join them in Inglewood, ProFootballTalk.com reported.

On Wednesday afternoon, NBC Sports/NFL Network reporter Alex Flanagan tweeted: "NFL has framework of a stadium deal between the rams/chargers. Chargers vetting it now and barring anything unforeseen, plan on going to LA"

NFL.com reported that the Chargers were "examining the framework of a stadium deal."

Chargers special counsel Mark Fabiani told ProFootballTalk via email: "Dean's comments from Tuesday night accurately represent the team's position … Dean will take some time to evaluate the new options that have been created for the Chargers by the owners' vote. No decisions have been made, and no serious review of a proposed framework for a Rams-Chargers deal has yet begun."

The team was given a one-year option to join the Rams as the second team in a future stadium. The decision seemingly gives the city of San Diego time to work with the Chargers on a stadium deal in America's Finest City.

If San Diego voters approve a financial package to build a stadium here, the Chargers' Los Angeles option would be extended an additional year. Mayor Kevin Faulconer said he was confident San Diegans would approve such a measure, which likely would be placed on the November election ballot.

"I strongly believe we can get this done," Faulconer said.

After the news conference, Fabiani said he could only reiterate what Spanos said following Tuesday's developments.

"The Chargers have been approved by the NFL to relocate to Los Angeles, and now that the NFL meetings are over, Dean is going to take a few days to evaluate the franchise's new options," Fabiani said.

Spanos was noncommittal Tuesday when asked whether he was willing to reopen talks to keep his team in San Diego. He said the relocation process has been "excruciating for everyone."

The Chargers have until next January to decide on the Inglewood option. If the option expires, the Oakland Raiders will have a chance to become the second team in the greater Los Angeles area.

Both the Chargers and Raiders could receive an extra $100 million from the NFL to build stadiums in their home markets, on top of the $200 million the league already offers for such projects.

Spanos has wanted a replacement for San Diego's aging Qualcomm Stadium for around 15 years, a quest stymied thus far by the city's fiscal problems of a decade ago, the recession and difficulty in finding a suitable site.

When Kroenke proposed building the Inglewood stadium about a year ago, the Chargers and Raiders responded by announcing plans to construct the Carson facility. The Chargers contend that 25 percent of their business comes from Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Faulconer established a task force that has recommended building a new facility next to Qualcomm Stadium, but the Chargers broke off negotiations on the proposal last June. The team's refusal to restart talks prevented what could have been a citywide vote on the proposal this month.